Mother hopes son's death brings country together

Thursday

Aug 21, 2014 at 3:15 AMAug 21, 2014 at 9:21 AM

ROCHESTER — As the local community grieves the death of James Foley, the Rochester journalist who was murdered by Islamic State militants after his kidnapping in Syria, his family remembers him as a dedicated, loving man who cared about people and their suffering.

By Liz Markhlevskayalmark@fosters.com

ROCHESTER — As the local community grieves the death of James Foley, the Rochester journalist who was murdered by Islamic State militants after his kidnapping in Syria, his family remembers him as a dedicated, loving man who cared about people and their suffering.

In a meeting with journalists Wednesday, Foley's mother, Diane, said she hopes the country can come together in the wake of Foley's death.

“We just pray that Jim's death can help bring our country together in a stronger way,” said Diane. “Jim would never want us to hate or be bitter. We are praying for the strength to love, like he did.”

Foley, 40, was working as a freelance journalist for GlobalPost.com when he was captured in northern Syria in November 2012, on Thanksgiving Day. On Tuesday, militant group Islamic State released a video on the Internet, showing Foley being beheaded by a man who claimed the killing is retribution to the recent U.S. airstrikes in Iraq.

The White House on Wednesday confirmed the authenticity of the video.

“It haunts me how much pain he was in, and how cruel the method of execution is,” said Foley's father, John. “He (Foley) was courageous to the end.”

Foley's brother, Michael, said some of Foley's final words expressed wanting to be with his family. He said he believes the government could have done more to bring his brother home.

John said, “It's difficult to find solace at this point in time, but we know Jim is free. He's finally free ... He was an inspiration for us, and for so many others. We miss his courage, his love, his determination, his laugh, his smile.”

Foley had previously been captured in Libya in 2011, and held in captivity for 44 days before being released. Despite that experience, Foley had decided to return to journalism work in conflict areas, because the work was his passion and he cared about the people who were suffering, said Diane.

“The world had to know about the evil, the world had to know about the suffering ... Jim was so moved,” she said.

John said his son had a way of touching the souls of people he encountered, and that through his articles, Foley was able to show the human side of the conflicts.

“He died for that compassion, and that love. I pray that he could be remembered that way,” said Diane.

She said the family is now praying that the government can find a way to save other journalists and humanitarian workers still in captivity.

In the brutal video released Tuesday, the man who identified himself as a member of the militant group Islamic State said that another American journalist, Steven Sotloff, will be killed if U.S. doesn't stop its intervention in Iraq. Sotloff was captured my militants last year.

Diane said the administration of President Barack Obama is now in a difficult situation.

In a speech Wednesday, Obama said United States will continue to confront the Islamic State extremists despite Foley's murder. He said the militant group abducts women and children, and tortures, rapes, enslaves, and kills people.

“No just God would stand for what they did yesterday, and for what they do every single day,” said Obama Wednesday.

Shortly after Obama's speech Wednesday afternoon, the United States launched a new set of airstrikes against the Islamic State group.

Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, who offered heartfelt condolences to Foley's family, said Wednesday, “We need to do everything to stop the threat from ISIS. It (Foley's murder) is an act of terrorism against the United States. That is why we must continue to support the Iraqis and the Kurds. ISIS is a threat to the United States and our allies.”

“We cannot be blackmailed by a terrorist group,” said Shaheen.

Obama expressed his condolences to the Foley family over the phone Wednesday, and the family has asked him to do whatever he could to save the other Americans being held captive, said John.

Foley's parents said they were grateful for efforts to bring Foley home.

This summer, Obama sent special operations troops to Syria on a secret mission to rescue American hostages, including Foley, but the troops did not find them, the Obama administration said Wednesday.

Officials said the rescue mission was authorized after intelligence agencies believed they had identified the location in Syria where the hostages were being held. But the several dozen special operations forces dropped by aircraft into Syria did not find them at that location and engaged in a firefight with Islamic State militants before departing, killing several militants. No Americans died but one sustained a minor injury when an aircraft was hit.

Wednesday morning, a special mass was held at Our Lady of the Holy Rosary in Rochester where Foley's family members are parishioners.

After learning about Foley's death, Mayor T.J. Jean released a statement late Tuesday night, extending heartfelt condolences to the Foley family.

“James Foley worked tirelessly to give a voice to the oppressed and convey the stark reality of war to the entire world,” said Jean. “His tragic death has shaken our community and our thoughts and continued prayers remain with his family and friends during this very difficult time.”

Other elected officials also expressed their condolences.

Sen. Kelly Ayotte said in a statement, “Our hearts are broken for the Foley family. James was an innocent civilian who was bravely performing his job as a journalist. This barbaric and heinous act shocks the conscience and highlights the truly evil nature of the terrorists we confront, who must be defeated. My thoughts and prayers are with James Foley's family at this extremely difficult time.”

Congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter released a statement saying, “My thoughts and prayers are with the Foley family at this terrible time. I remember Jim Foley as a child and I will not allow evil to change the way I remember him. I will always choose to remember his goodness, his life, and his great family.”​

Associated Press and The Rochester Times editor John Nolan contributed to this report.

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